Dark Link's Alt Selection Extravaganza

[Dark Link]

So as most of you probably know, it has been a while since I've been active in an IC capacity. For quite some time, I've desired to create an alt that I could use while I decide what to do with Dark Link. But even with my personal requirement of needing to have at least one idea for a storyline before I consider them, many potential options cropped up. And though I have managed to whittle the list down somewhat over the past few months, I'm still left with five characters that I would all regard as equally compelling choices. With Dante's Abyss approaching fast (and the pressure rising for me to jump into the fray XD), I am running out of time for a decision.

For this reason, I decided to create this thread to acquire additional opinions on the matter. In order to provide some context for the options, I've written a description for each character. If you can spare just a bit of your time, I would greatly appreciate if you could read them and then share your thoughts as to who you think would be the best choice. In about five days or so, I will make a decision and then proceed to join Dante's Abyss with the chosen character.

I encourage everyone who can to express their opinion, regardless of familiarity with the source material. Thank you for your help. If you have any questions regarding the characters and any plans I might have for them after DA, please don't hesitate to ask.

Note: Some of the entries do have spoilers of their source material.

Candidate #1: Ancient One

‘The story of a civilisation, through the eyes of its messiah.’

Character Source: StarCraft/OC

[spoiler]Since I was young, history has been one of my favourite subjects. I’ve always loved learning about how people behaved in the past and how they responded and shaped the events that played out. That said, contrary to widespread perception, the tale of history isn’t really a tale of great individuals and how they spearheaded progress — it is in fact a tale of how we as a whole have collectively decided to live our lives and shape the world around us. As a result, I have always wondered — can one write a story about a civilisation?

The Ancient One is essentially an outgrowth of that idea. Created among the first batch of Drones — the workers that form the backbone of Zerg colonies — he was fated for a rather short existence. But a variety of happenstances and deliberate actions ensured his survival over many millennia, allowing him to evolve mentally well beyond normal capabilities. Just as his unusual existence is discovered, he would be brought into the Omniverse along with five other drones. Lost and confused, they would turn to the oldest and most powerful among them for direction, giving him the eponymous name.

Despite being the most prominent figure in their society, most of the posts wouldn't be so much about the Ancient One himself as about the drones in general, particularly as their numbers began to increase. As the messianic figure of his kind, the Ancient One would be in a (heh) prime position to view the life of drones within a wider context. Through him, I believe it would be possible to tell the tale of how the drones would react and adapt to life in the Omniverse, and how the collective decisions they make would shape the Omniverse and their place in it.[/spoiler]

Candidate #2: Demi-fiend

‘A thoughtful and candid half-demon, hellbent on reshaping the cosmos.’

Character Source: Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

[spoiler]Among the candidates being considered, this guy can pretty much be regarded as the ultimate Omniverse character. He is mostly a blank slate in his game, has justification for nearly all the powers and proficiencies available and has traversed multiple dimensions before appearing in Omni’s domain.

Originally a mostly normal Japanese high school student, he was one of the few humans to survive an apocalyptic event that tore the world asunder in preparation for its new rebirth. Turned into a half-demon by an unknown individual, he was forced to survive in a wasteland filled with demonkind and other hostile entities. But the trial through hellfire reforged him into a powerful force in his own right, enabling him to control demons and shape the ultimate fate of the world.

It later came to light that the one who turned him into a half-demon was none other than Lucifer, who had deliberately been grooming him to break the cycle and become one of his lieutenants. In the True Demon Ending, the Demi-fiend chose to accept this fate, destroying the world and leading Lucifer’s forces in their multidimensional struggle against the Great Will in a desire to reforge the universe according to his ideals. It is this desire that would continue to drive his ambitions even in the Omniverse.

Despite being unambiguously evil, he’s not exactly a conventional villain. Unscrupulous and goal-driven to an extreme, he nevertheless prefers to keep things simple and is fairly honest regarding his opinions and intentions. In fact, as long as one does not get in his way, it is entirely possible to have an amiable conversation with him. Those that do manage to interact with him discover that he has something of an intellectual bent, feeling perfectly comfortable discussing matters of technology and philosophy.[/spoiler]

Candidate #3: Tamsin Suzaku

‘A shattered soul, trying to find meaning in an empty existence.’

Character Source: Dragon Ball Z AU/OC

[spoiler]Out of all the candidates, Tamsin is the only one I have much of a prior history with. She was the character I played on Chubbs, the DBZ RPG that was the spiritual predecessor to the Omniverse. Although she was a rather unremarkable character for most of her existence, the bonds she formed and challenges she faced did over time help mold her into something with greater potential. Unfortunately, I ended up quitting roleplaying just as she was beginning to develop into something more interesting. As such, she became an embodiment of both my successes and failures as a roleplayer.

Abandoned as a child, Tamsin was adopted by Amaya Suzaku, one of the leaders of the Servus guild, which specialised in training highly-qualified house servants. Despite the grueling and unforgiving training it entailed, Tamsin happily followed in her stepmother’s footsteps and became a maid. After Amaya was killed, Tamsin resolved to uphold her guardian’s ideals and struck out on her own. It was at this point that she encountered a Namekian named Maleficus Nova, the son of the infamous mercenary Retane (yes, that Retane), who spent his entire life living in the shadow of his father.

She served him dutifully for two years, during which they overcame many obstacles and trials together. It was during this time that she came to realise that she had the power of telekinesis. But before she was able to fully capitalise on her untapped potential, Tamsin was inflicted with a terrible curse, which over time degraded not only her body, but her very soul. Before she died, she merged what remained of her being with Maleficus, hoping to watch over her master even in death. But it was all for naught. Tamsin could do nothing but watch helplessly as her master was attacked by a mysterious entity before being wiped from existence.

Devastated by the loss of her master and the world she had once known, Tamsin would wander the Omniverse in an attempt to rebuild her life and her shattered pride whilst trying once again to fully nurture her powers. But this new world would offer little respite to her suffering, threatening to degrade her psyche even further.[/spoiler]

Candidate #4: Aldaris

‘A noble zealot, struggling to save his people and their ideals in an unfamiliar world.’

Character Source: StarCraft

[spoiler]Protoss are one of my favourite alien races in fiction, but if I’m honest, they don’t make for very compelling individual characters. Most of them tend to be fairly stock honour-bound types. Of course, there are exceptions that have more of a distinct personality, like the fan favourite Fenix and Zeratul. But there is another, one who isn’t afforded as much attention or recognition — Aldaris.

The most morally ambiguous among the Protoss characters, Aldaris has something of an interesting dichotomy. He is an ardent follower of old traditions and ideals, enforcing them to an almost zealous degree, which has put him at odds with others of his kind. But despite his sometimes antagonistic role, he cares deeply about his people and possesses a strong sense of honour and justice. From this stem both his greatest virtues and biggest vices, which ultimately lead to his demise.

At the time of his death, the Protoss already faced great turmoil. Their empire had crumbled apart, they were forced to abandon their homeland and they needed to try and reconcile with their estranged and exiled brethren. If Aldaris and some of his followers were to be brought into the Omniverse, they would also suffer the loss of their spiritual connection to their ancestors on top of that.

Faced with this kind of situation, Aldaris would do his best to lead his people and work to regain the power and prestige they once possessed. But in this new universe and situation, he would find it difficult to reconcile his ideals with doing what is necessary to ensure the survival of his kind.[/spoiler]

Candidate #5: Mordred Pendragon

‘A fallen knight, seeking prestige and recognition.’

Character Source: Fate/Apocrypha

[spoiler]Most of you are probably familiar with Arthurian legends, thanks to the numerous depictions they had been subjected to over time. One of the more interesting portrayals of the myth in recent years has been the Fate series, which is (in)famous for its gender-flipped King Arthur. But while Arturia is an interesting character, so is her misfortunate offspring, clone and rival Mordred.

Above all else, Mordred is a creature of contradictions. She was a traditionalist in a society that rejected women holding positions of powers. She was a champion of the common folk while resenting the fact that she was not like them. She was an honourable and idealistic knight that engaged in plotting and treachery to achieve her goals. And despite being deeply flawed compared to the ‘perfect’ king she served, Mordred was also far more humane and relatable.

Her troubled and complex existence was further compounded by, to put it mildly, her conflicting relationship with her ‘father’. Having spent her entire life idealising and admiring King Arthur, she worshiped the very ground he walked on and threatened anyone who would speak ill of him. Yet, Arthur’s refusal to name her heir to the throne deeply wounded Mordred and caused her to despise him with every fiber of her being. Ultimately, their inability to reconcile their differences resulted in their final battle at Camlann and the downfall of Camelot.

Much like her ‘father’, Mordred was deeply troubled by the whole affair in death. Even in the Omniverse, she would seek to claim what she believes to be her rightful place in the world. She would seek to prove to herself and Arturia that the only rightful successor to a Pendragon is another Pendragon.[/spoiler]

[Kaylee]

I say go with Tamsin or Pendragon. I dunno Starcraft so my opinion is a tad bias but I'd be split between those two.

[Gildarts]

For this decision it is important you ask yourself the kind of stories you want to write and share on the OV. The character you want to portray can be a big part of that process, it can be the inspiration or, lack of.

I think if you've thought this hard there is "no wrong choice" as writing as every one of these characters can give you some element of fulfillment. But which will give you the most?

Maybe a name flashed in your head, or a picture, or a memory as when you used to write as tamsin and felt highly accomplished and recognized. But maybe you see that potential in the other ones who are experiences waiting to happen. I care about which choice you make but I don't think any of them are bad as they each have purpose.

Before I tell you my conclusion, bear with me just another moment! You can always make some of these secondaries (I think o.o ) and while they wouldn't be your primary prime you could always NPC or wait for your third character slot too! So this decision doesn't have to be an end all!

Anyway my decision on who I would like to see written as (by you) might be a little different. (In selling we call this cherry picking and it can be difficult to avoid.)

-King says that there are two different kind of writers, those that write for themselves and those that write for their/an audience. Which are you?

My conclusion: I personally like Demi-fiend. He'd be a cool read and he's unique. I like the idea behind him.

However !

I'd also like to see what tamsin has to offer. But I worry if you choose tamsin will you take a break from RPing again? Not to blame the character, or how the character may make you feel, it is important you know this for yourself before you make your choice!

Lastly, I seem to see you as writing a more honor bound character with both ease and passion. I can see you playing mordred well however I'm not sure it would be a consistent plot in the long run. (The grappling with the power ladder is great but what about when she hits the top, is she happy she's achieved her goal or would she ever get there or... is something missing?) the other options (other than Demi and tamsin) are kind of like that too. It's kind of like a plateau effect however the best way to avoid it is- drumroll please- to enjoy what you are writing no matter where it leads, no matter the plot or the character.

So I have my top two. But you of course aren't obligated to hear any more than my opinion. I look forward to seeing your personal choice and the reasoning behind it. I hope whoever is chosen sparks inspiration and creativity for many stories to come. Best of luck.

Edit: conclusion: I don't think I helped at all XD

[Trixie]

Fuckin Tamsin. All the way. She beat Vad, man.

[Guu]

Either Tamsin or Pendragon, because I'm biased towards women.


Kidding aside, Tamsin is the most interesting of the bunch because of the unfinished business aspect of it, and the fact she's ceritfiably yours, warts and all. But of course, go with what feels right.

[2B]

My opinion, as the Countess of Pencils 2B and otherwise...

I guess the question you're juggling right now, is 2B or not 2B. And of course, answering such question is always difficult.
I guess I'd know it better than most given my constant swapping and such.

Okay okay, time 2B serious and drop the silly puns and metaphors.

So, who do I want you 2B?

I guess I'm biased toward the spawn of Artoria to an extent. However. At the same time, I see the same point that Gilfish does, regarding the whole continuity of it.
While to an extent difficult goal, maybe it could be one day achieved, to rule Camelot in Aragorn's stead.

HOWEVER.

How long does it retain its interest to you, to work toward said goal? There's only so many different things you could do.
In all honesty, I'm very much in line with Gilfish here.
Which one. Will give you. The thing that YOU.


Link, YOU.


Want to write?
Which one will make you feel "Oh fuck yes, I'm writing this today!"
And which one will make you feel "Oh fuck yes, I'm writing this today!", a year from now?
The one YOU want to write, and the one that scratches the itch YOU want to scratch, is the one that is the answer here.
And much like you've told me in the past, I can't decide that for you.

I've struggled with my character choices more than the most here, I feel, so I guess I'm obligated to say this, now that I think I finally found something to stick to.

I made the choice that...

• Can flex to me as a writer.
  
• Can play off my strengths, and help improve my weaknesses.
  
• Can bend to my moodiness of writing.
  
• Who fits the kind of character I enjoy writing.
  
• Who aesthetically pleases me.
  
• And last but not least important, is a character I felt like I could do justice with, could do well with, and who brought something fresh into my already jaded view on the subject.
  

What choice is such for you? Who do you feel, is what you want 2B?

[Amaterasu]

ANCIENT ONE :rage:

Well, you know my opinion on this matter - ancient one has my vote ten times over. On the other hand, I imagine that you could make a Drone as an NPC Prime since it's not a unique character from the franchise. But, I would totally want to be one of the drones if you take either of those routes.

Mordred Pendragon is also a pretty cool option though you're probably better off asking Arty, since she's more familiar with the series than I am and has looked a lot into Mordred, AFAIK. That being said, will you be able to work the character without an Arturia in the Omniverse? Or would you have something planned regarding Camelot (the Omniverse verse) as a storyline?

(I don't know the other candidates nor their franchises so I can't say much about those)

[Omni]

I refuse to answer for you :crossedarms: but these are all, as you say, very compelling choices. I won't lie, I have my own favourites, but I'm not going to influence your decision with those. Whoever you pick, have fun!

[Jim Raynor]

The Ancient One is the most unique and fascinating characters of the lot IMO.

[Karl Jak]

I don't quite remember the Tamsin character that last time I read your writing with her, but I know how much you wrote as her and how much you enjoyed it.

The idea of a drone fascinates me, because I'm sure you'll have a better take on the zerg mythos than the people at Blizzard.

Aldaris is dope, and I think you'd do well as him. I had a soft spot for Aldaris, because he wasn't a traditional villain by any means.

I have no comment for Pendragon or Demifiend. Dunno the source material. Don't feel like looking it up (sorry fans of either series, no disrespect)

[Handsome Jack]

Ancient One: Cell can always use another monster buddy who enjoys eating people.

Demi-Fiend: Not a fan of Shin Megami. PASS!

Tamsin: This might be your best option, in regards to longevity and frequency, just because I know you've done it before. Also, DBZ is my jam, son!

Aldaris: Protoss are over-rated! Zerg is best SC character choice.

Mordred: If you do this, go take over Nippur just to piss off Gilgamesh (since I believe you're both from same canon?).

My choice would be Ancient One or Tamsin. You do you though.

[Omni]

I will say a few comments that might be considered helpful:

Normally I'd try to talk anyone out of a complex idea like the Ancient One, but I think you have enough experience to pull it off. Should you go that route, it would be rather fascinating and I believe it's an idea you've nestled for quite some thing.

Tamsin is awesome (*clears throat* what's that um ... source image from again?). Just beware of bringing back something that's already dead. Sometimes we want to fix our failures or something we didn't get to finish (I think all of us Chubbsians feel that) but most people here won't remember the previous adventures. That's not to say it's a bad idea - this is for you, after all, not the enjoyment of others - just something to keep in mind if you go that route.

I have less to comment on the others, since I don't know any of them. But I'll be fascinated to see which one you ultimately go with.

[The Vision]

I heard somewhere about how you should pick a character that you'd be pissed about if someone else took it. So.

Imagine how it would feel if I personally took one of these characters as my third. Which would upset you the most?

[Weiss Schnee]

Ancient one: Like I said before, I like the concept, but the problem is it will require a lot of focus on the civilization, but the character himself doesn't feel that fully formed. as a messianic figure, he's going to need a certain "force" or "presence" that makes him unique and interesting as a leader of these guys. While you might have one in mind, I didn't quite see it in the first post. It's an obstacle I think you can overcome

Demi-fiend: Like I said in voice chat, this one seems the least appealing to me. The way he's written, it feels more like you're interested in what he offers for you to draw on than what he offers as a character. and if that's what you decide on or if ya think I'm wrong, that's fine too, but of all the characters here, I feel like this one could potentially be a problem for you motivation-wise. That, and Demi-fiend would require you to play an evil character, who aren't the most accomodating folks by nature. To do that correctly, you gotta be willing to do things like... kill off characters, potentially do some damage to major NPC stuff, in order to follow the idea of an evil character - at least if you're planning to play the character straight.

Tamsin - not a lot I have to say on this others haven't

You have history, that's really good and gives you a lot to work with.

You also stopped, which is why there's a gap in that history in the first place, so... you know... both these things need to be considered.

#4 - Aldaris - with this one, I'm a bit biased, because when you defended his character to me in a conversation a while ago, I saw both the passion you had for it, and frankly? you managed to change my opinion a lot, to see just how interesting and fleshed out a character I previously wrote off as a total dick really was. I think this is one of the few jerks I could see you playing naturally, and I think you'd do well with him, but, like I said, biased.

#5 - I feel a certain passion with this one that's not quite as intense even with the others. logic and etc. aside, I think this is the one you might have the most passion for. What that means is really up to you to decipher, but not someone to write off, necessarily.

[Doomguy]

The Ancient One: Zerg characters have always had a weird place in my heart. despite leading a faceless, personality-less swarm, they've always had a bombastic and forceful presence to them, whether it was the Overmind, the celebrates, or Kerrigan. Even in Starcraft 2, the zerg characters were the most fun, which is why I liked them the most even though I'm mostly a Terran guy (Starcrafts 2's shoddy storytelling being the other reason...). I would love to see how you do a character like that, since most the characters I've seen from you have been mostly subservient. If anything, the problem I see is the zerg. When writing about groups, it's that push/pull of clashing personalities that cause interesting stories, where as zerg are merely extensions of the character. You can still do cool things with that, though, and it is the most unique character.

Demi-Feind: There's something oddly refreshing about an unabashedly evil character, especially one that's still charismatic and thoughtful rather than "Rargh, smash". While I've never touched the SMT, I know enough to know that there's a lot of interesting potential there and good background to work from. A lot of tools to work with, which allows a character to be able to do lots of different things without feeling out of character, while also with a history that allows some believable breaks if you want to change something. This is also a good way to introduce a lot of cool side characters.

That said, If Doomguy got even a whiff of the guy, he's hunt him down and kill him. But Remi would want to invite him to tea, so take that as you will?

Tamsin: I understand the comfort in an old character, especially if one feels they have unfinished business. let work to start off with, more time to work those old grooves and even play with old tropes with new way. I personally always try something new (...unless it's a human fighter in DnD :V) every time I jump site, but I know you enjoy playing this character since you've revived them twice in the other games we play. I feel like that makes it unnecessary to play them here too, but at the same time I can feel you really want to.

Also, Tamsin + Sakuya: Infinite Maid Works

Aldaris: Aldaris is interesting in a lot of way. When I was younger I thought he was just a minor two bit antagonist, a traditional and wrongheaded brick who's there to be foil to Tassadar's and Zeratul's more holistic and open minded personality. When I myself became more holistic and open minded, I realized that Aldaris, while he was still wrongheaded, was ultimately someone who was doing what he thought was right based on the information he knew. He also, in rare showing of his archetype, was willing to work with the people he was previously against. This doesn't exactly excuse his idiot ball moment in brood wars, but bad choices make for good stories (or so I'm told).

I'd certainly like to see what a guy like Aldaris does in the Omniverse. I'm sure it would be quite the culture shock.

Mordred Pendragon: I know next to nothing about the Fate series, but I know you love it. You description of her you give is perhaps my favorite out of the bunch, you fantastically sell a flawed character with a definite goal and a personality that could butt heads with people and create really interesting dynamics. I would love to see them in action, and it's a cool set up for drama. And hey, you know I love action and drama.

[Gamzee Makara]

To be fair, I only feel comfortable commenting on the characters who's source im somewhat familiar with. I agree very much with vision on this topic, about who would you most be upset about being taken by another player. I also think the entirety of Gildarts post couldn't have described it better. Seriously, they've got more of a mind for this than I do.

Ancient One: Never played Starcraft, but I really really kinda just wanna see how you would play him tbh like i feel like you would be restricted in a lot of things but also be given freedom and depth in others. It's really your call. It seems like it means a lot to you. Also, I will say, I feel like playing it in DA would be hella difficult, but thats just because its beyond my own personal skill. I'm sure you could pull it off somehow DL.

Demi-Fiend: This is probably my main vote tbh. Im a big fan of SMT and Demi-Fiend would be a helluva lot of fun for a lot of reasons. Your writing style really fits the character, in my opinion. Just the eloquence and intellectual type of evil that really isn't always easy to write or find. THOUGH I will say, I ran into this problem myself when I jumped the gun on Peter, my main and my alt were similar in several senses. I'm not saying Demi-Fiend and DL are, but they could both be considered antagonistic and it might not be the type of variety you're looking for. In my opinion, Demi is the most villainous of your bunch here, that is to say. Still though, it's your call.

Tamsin: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ really, this is all you dude. This is a your choice type of thing. She seems really interesting, but I would heed the cautions of your friends on this one.

Aldaris: Again, never really played star craft, but I can sense a bit of depth to this character, like the huge responsibility that he feels he has to carry around. Could be interesting to see what the OV does to him.

Mordred: I'm a fan of the Fate series and Mordred was always one of the more dynamic characters. You could play her a lot of ways for a lot of reasons. Probably my second pick, tbh, neck and neck with the ancient one.

Don't really think theres a wrong choice here, DL. Think about what you would get the most out of, and go for it.

[Jack Darby]

Go with Mordred!

[Trixie]

I've actually toyed with your first idea, but instead it would be the aliens from Edge of Tomorrow. I get pulled into the Ominverse as the Omega and I have Time Manipulation, but my Prime NPC's are my Alpha's and my Secondaries are drones and I live in the Omniverse in one secret location, travelling through my minions.

[Yu Kanda]

Candidate #1: Ancient One

This one i consider the most unique of all your choices. Its something i haven't seen before, even though i would be very curious how you would portray someone like him, he's my #3 of the bunch. Simply because i prefer more humanoid type characters. Judge me all you want.

Candidate #2: Demi-fiend

This one i like, he's got the blank slate, you can go any direction you want which is perfect! He's also an evil character so +1 for that. he's my #2 on your list. I  have no clue what his source is, because ive never read / seen it. But the story you wrote is pretty nice as a background. I think it would be a great fit for the Omniverse.

Candidate #3: Tamsin Suzaku

My #1 of the list, its been your character before, you know her through and through. And now you get a chance to write a whole new chapter with her. You don't have to ponder which direction you want to go with her because you already know her. The story was very compelling and i would like to see more. She got my vote DL.

Candidate #4: Aldaris
[b]Candidate #5: Mordred Pendragon
[/b]Both of these characters are a bit...Meh for me. They don't really do much for me personally. They lack a certain charisma (personal opinion) Neither of these seem as interresting as the others. Don't ask me why, its just a gut feeling i have with the characters.

[Mark]

Ancient One has my vote for the reasons some have mentioned. Interesting concept, and one that you've I think given the most thought to, based on what I'm reading here.